Climate records from low-latitude lacustrine systems have increased significantly in number in recent years, improving understanding of the spatial expression of climate change. Temporal patterns of climate variation also have been enhanced through longer records (due to drilling initiatives associated with ICDP) and a marked increase in the resolution of many records. The application of scanning techniques, such as the use of GEOTEK and ITRAX scanners, has revolutionised the data resolution of some proxies and opened up new opportunities for understanding biogeochemical and climate variation, particularly in the exploration of cyclicity.

Cycles ranging from annual to decadal and centennial are now routinely identified in lake sediment sequences and associated with a range of possible forcings, including ENSO, PDO, NAO, AMO and solar variability. In low latitudes many of these affect monsoon strength and are embedded within the longer scale radiation forcings that operate over millennial timescales.

Papers in this session can address climate change over a range of timescales and may focus on particular regions or methodologies or address major issues in low-latitude climate dynamics. Papers linking sediment records with instrumental or historical data and considering possible interactions between climate and societal issues are also welcome.